Fowl Hunting?

I've been considering taking up hunting for a while now, in particular fowl hunting (upland and water). I just have no idea where to start. This is something I've wanted to do since I was younger (around 8 years old) but never had the chance. My father hunted, but always said it was no sport for a girl (come on now!)
I've been helping to train retrievers for hunting and field trials for a few years now, but have never actually hunted. I've got two dogs-a lab and a chessie, who are both working, and mostly I would like to pick it up for them-they love it. I've got two guns that belonged to my father, a rifle and a shotgun, but I couldn't tell you the brands as they are sitting in the attic collecting dust. I've been to the shooting range tons of time with my dad as a kid.
Just looking for a point in the right direction. We have all sorts of things lying around from my dad...calls, camo, ammo, just stuff like that. I know I'll have to go get lisences.
Thanks for any help!

Public Comments

1. Depending on what area you are in, or what your situation is here is what I would think would be the easiest way too go about it.

Since you are training dogs for retrieving, you probably already know someone who hunts. If so you should ask them too give you a few pointers, and mabey see if they you like to go and do some practice shooting or even just straight too a hunt.

If that wouldnt work out, Id say it would be a good idea too call you local fish&game office and ask for a local shooting range or hunting club where you could go and go and shoot some clay pigeons, and also ask about any information they have about local regulations and public areas where you would be able too go and hunt that are in your area.

In truth the easiest way would be if you know anybody that already hunts and try too get them too take you and give you some pointers. Even if you dont know anyone, Id imagine with the training that you have been doing with the dogs there would be someone, that would be williing to give some tips and help.

Anyway hope you found that helpful, and happy hunting :)

2. A good place to get a start and get great advice would be to take a local hunter education course. Most states require that you pass one before you can buy a license anyhow. Local shooting/gun clubs can be a great source of information and advice also.

3. i be happy to help you

4. Since you have been helping train retrievers you should be in contact with hunters- all you need to do is tell some of them that you would be interested in seeing what it would be like. I'll bet you anything that they would jump at the chance to take you hunting- that would be the fastest and easiest way to get access to a hunting trip, learn what it's like and how to do it . You wont regret getting into it , there's no other sport like it. Good luck.